The influence of organizational environment on individuals and groups, 15 Credits

Contents

The aims of the course are to give profound and advanced knowledge on how individuals and groups interact and how groups function in organisations. A variety of theoretical points of views are used to reflect different aspects of these phenomena. A number of issues concerning social-, group- and organisational psychology are addressed, for example: the relation between context and behaviour, attitudes, conformity, conflicts, roles, stereotyping and leadership. In order to give a useful platform for further studies and for instant use in organisations, theoretical knowledge and practical training are both important parts of the course.

Part 1: Theories and research on individuals, groups, and organisations (7.5 hp)
The first part of the course starts with theories and research that is of special interest for understanding individual and group interaction and leadership in different settings. In addition, the student trains the ability to critically evaluate research.

Part 2: Theory testing and applications (7.5 hp)
The second part of the course includes research application and theories on individual and group interaction and leadership in different settings. This part of the course further emphasizes critical research evaluations and includes planning and conducting a scientific study that is reported both orally and in writing

Expected learning outcomes

Part 1: Theories and research on individuals, groups, and organisations (7.5 hp)
After the course part the student will:
- have a profound knowledge about the relation between context and behaviour, attitudes, conformity, group conflicts, group roles, stereotyping and leadership
- be able to critically evaluate research

Part 2: Theory testing and applications (7.5 hp)
After the course part the student will:
- be able to distinguish leadership styles and group performances
- be able to plan, conduct and present, written and orally, a scientific literature study relevant to the course content.

Required Knowledge

Univ: 90 credits (hp) in a behavioral science subject or related subject.

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish Upper Secondary course English A.
Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies

Form of instruction

The teaching forms include summarizing lectures, seminars, and supervision.

The right to receive teaching and supervision applies only during the time the course, for which the student is registered to, is ongoing. The course may be given in Swedish and/or English

Examination modes

The examination includes active participation in seminars, oral presentations and written reports. The grading scale includes failed, passed, and passed with distinction.

Presence of examining elements should be indicated in the schedule. All existing teaching within the course can be examined. Decisions on any deviations from the current form of assessment will be made by the relevant examiner.

Grade for the course / each part of the course will be assigned when the written test / tests and all mandatory elements are approved. The possible grades are either ‘Pass’ or ‘Fail’. (Alternatively, ‘Pass with distinction’,’ Pass’ or ‘Fail’ for independent courses) Students are entitled to rewrite the same examination five times (at least twice in the case of practice or clinical teaching or equivalent). Students who do not pass the regular examination should be provided an opportunity for further examination according to the University's "Regulations for tests and examinations at the undergraduate and graduate levels." A student who has failed two tests for a course or a part of a course, is entitled to have another examiner appointed, unless there are specific reasons against it (HF 6 Chap. 22 §). Requests for new examiners are made to the head of the department of Psychology. Students have the right to be tested on the same curriculum as the regular examination at least two occasions up to two years after the first registration.

In order to transfer credits to a corresponding course at Umeå university, students have the right to submit previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in the profession for evaluation. Application for transfer of credits is submitted to the Student Centre / Examinations. More information on transfer of credits is available on Umeå University's student website, www.student.umu.se, and the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6). A refusal for transfer of credits may be appealed against (Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 12) to the University Appeals Board. This applies whether the entire application or part of the application for transfer of credits is refused.